Chapter 10

I was getting remarkably worried that since earlier that thing had not calling me – not that I wasn't pleased that he seemed to have forgotten me – I was fearful that he had some alternative motive. Not to mention the fact I had been expecting another ultimatum by now.
The sudden pain in my left forearm caught me off guard, as I hissed rather loudly during one of the monthly meetings; Pomfrey and McGonagall seemed the most worried about my abrupt departure – I also knew that Minerva's cat senses would have alerted her not only to the sound but also the feeling of my pain; of course I only allowed a fraction of it to reach her. Both of my mother-hen protectors seemed to suspect this, the matron even had time to scan me. Due to Minerva's Gryffindor nature she opted for the confront tactic – as a Slytherin I should have used this against her, but I couldn't bring myself to do so.

The hissing of the dark lord in my mind clearly suggested that Tom was biding his time – not that anyone knew where he was – and he had successfully caught my attention. Now it was a waiting game.

Not that I had a long time to wait due to Voldemort's predictable impatience.

"Severus, you refused me before I hope that you have changed your mind since then."

"Why do you think that I would return to you?"

"We both know that's not what I mean," I kept my interest silent as he continued, "You will see soon enough," the cackle that filled my head successfully managed to burst one of my eardrums – fortunately Poppy was suitably prepared for my arrival. Unfortunately for me she was in a more questioning mood than normal:

"He spoke to you didn't he?"

"Indeed he did, Madame."

"Why? What does he want now?"

"I'm unsure; he simply said you'll see soon enough," this particular medi-witch knew that I was very concerned by this sudden vagueness in the dark lord. He was usually one to speak his mind; unless he was making a larger point. Something must have clicked in my mind as as soon as Pomfrey had released me I ran to McGonagall's office; "Minerva! Get all the students to the great hall, now." As soon as I turned to leave:

"Do you mean the ones from the come and go room, as well?"

"Indeed I do Professor; but I've got a plan."
I continued to mutter to myself as I sent the message on to the other heads of houses via my patronus. By the time this was done it was nearly nightfall. Nothing happened, as I sat and leaned against the headmaster's chair. I could tell everyone was getting restless – I couldn't blame them – as was I; until a scream came from a muggleborn of each house. The Slytherin's scream was louder than all others, I swiftly placed her into a dreamless sleep.

Tom's voice echoed across Hogwarts grounds and through the castle itself; "I have a request. Give me Harry Potter and none shall be harmed, give me Harry Potter and Hogwarts will prevail; give me Harry Potter and you shall be rewarded." His manic laugh carried through the ancient walls of Hogwarts. I did have a bad feeling that some of the older Slytherin's were likely to revolt as they had during Albus' funeral; however without Draco calling the shots it was anyone's guess as to what would happen.

"There he is someone grab him!" it was Miss Parkinson, I could tell Minerva was likely to do something rash; so I stepped in.

"Miss Parkinson, you do know that Voldemort is likely to kill everyone no matter who hands over Potter." She paled somewhat as everyone continued to stare at her rather unpleasantly.

"He didn't kill you the last time…" I cut her off, for a sixth year she was very well informed.

"The last time I killed his snake, I doubt he's going to like me giving him Potter; not that I would anyway." I heard a collective gasp from the two extreme houses, the Hufflepuff's seemed quite pleased that my loyalty to Hogwarts was coming through.

"You killed Nagini?" that was it, there was no way she should ever have known that serpents name. Parkinson herself seemed unaware of her error.

"Parkinson," my voice was on the dangerous side, "lift your left sleeve; if you please."

"Not bloody likely, TRAITOR!"

"Parkinson your sixteen, that is bloody suicide."

"But he said he loved me. And I'm better than she was. "

"Good god girl, your just as deluded as she was as well." My knees gave way; I tried to calmly give my instructions to McGonagall – but I was in too much shook. "McGon, get them out of here; but check forth years up left arm." After eventually coming to my senses it became apparent that both Slughorn and I had failed our students. I didn't even see the point hiding the tears that ran down my face.

Once again I was ashamed to be a Slytherin; except this time it showed.

I hadn't been prepared for half of my house to be actual death eaters; their parents yes, but not them. And Parkinson I thought she had a brain or at least some common sense.

There was really only one thing for it, go to the dark lord myself. But somehow I would have to keep them busy; I caught the gaze of Minerva as always she seemed to see past my façade.

"Severus don't, whatever it is don't do it."

"I'm sorry Minerva but it really is the only way left to us."

"You mean you?" I sighed, the old cat knew me too well. So she should know that I had a plan B – well at least I thought I did. I lightly gripped her shoulder – I don't know why I did it – but it felt like the right thing to do.

Oddly Slughorn left with the rest of Slytherin house to be escorted somewhere; those very few who stayed seemed suddenly drawn to me as if I would protect them from not only the lions, badgers and eagles but the evil that lay in wait elsewhere. My duty had been to my house; but now it was to my school, my students – all of them. Once again I removed the glamour; although all of them this time, the peppered hair became jet black but with a single white streak – similar to the one Granger had seen on my Pegasus form. I really didn't know how that had happened, it just did. Much like my plan; only a few Slytherin's would have the Gryffindor nerve of self-sacrifice: and I was one of those few. I mean Tom `Voldemort' Riddle would never expect a member of Salazar's house to die for what they believed in – kill, yes; but die? Never; never would a Gryffindor heart be found in a Slytherin body. Looked like I was the exception; as per usual.